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College Curriculum Head recognised in Queens’ Birthday Honours

Curriculum Head Food at City of Glasgow College, Willie McCurrach, has been awarded the OBE for Services to Education in the Hospitality industry.

He said the honour was “absolutely incredible”.

“I don’t deserve it at all. It’s been the most difficult secret to keep from everyone.

“I’ve been in the job for 50 years and I still love it. I love seeing the students move forward and I enjoy nurturing their skills while they’re here.

“Seeing their knowledge develop and being able to work with such incredible staff is the real honour.”

The talented chef and educator has been working at the college since 1978 and in that time has mentored hundreds of students - including Scotland’s National Chef and MasterChef 2016 winner Gary Maclean. He has made pancakes for HRH Prince Charles and won countless awards including the industry’s most prestigious accolade, the Catey Award.

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said:

“City of Glasgow College is very proud of Willie for what is indeed a great honour and well-deserved recognition of his continual hard work, enthusiasm and commitment. He is a highly respected member of Team City who has dedicated a 40 year career to passing on his knowledge and expertise to generations of student chefs. Our congratulations go to him on this tremendous achievement.”

Prior to receiving his OBE, Willie attended the 30th Anniversary celebrations of Nestle Toque d’or where City of Glasgow College HND Professional Cookery students won the 2018 Nestle Toque d’or college competition.